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Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

The Shangri-La distinguishes itself among the cluster of five-star chain hotels in Sydney’s Circular Quay with its famous Level 36 Horizon Bar, where you can drink with a view. The fine dining, on-point service and a holistic spa and wellbeing centre doesn’t hurt either.

Check availability

Rooms from

£160per night

Check-in

Check-out

Occupancy

Rooms

Adults

Children

Ages of children

Location

9/10

Situated in the heart of Circular Quay, Sydney’s tourist precinct. You will be footsteps from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Opera House, and if you're in a harbour view room, you'll be overlooking the world-famous Sydney Harbour. The Bridge Climb, for those unafraid of heights, is at your doorstep, as is The Museum of Contemporary Art for those less intrepid. Ferries, trains and buses leave regularly from Circular Quay and will take you... anywhere.

Style & character

7/10

Muzak will follow your every move at the Shangri La, and the décor is well suited to match. This is your classic opulent chain-hotel styling that's in need of an update; the last refurbishment was in the Nineties, as you can tell by the cherry blossom-motif carpet in the rooms.

Service & facilities

9/10

Service is polished and impeccable. The Horizon club offers a private check-in service, light breakfast and dining options, snacks throughout the day and cocktails in the evening. Level two is home to a pool, sauna and gym and Chi Spa for holistic treatments and pampering; try the Chakra Healing massage for a complete reset.

Bar

Laundry

Parking

Pool

Restaurant

Room service

Sauna

Spa

Wi-Fi

Rooms

7/10

Of the 565 rooms, those above level 30 come with the best views and access to the Horizon Club. Inoffensive and impersonal, the fawn colour scheme is offset by the aforementioned blue carpet. By far the best feature of my room was the window seat overlooking the city, The Harbour and The Opera House, an ideal spot to position yourself, drink in hand, and soak up the audacious view. The king-sized bed was comfortable and inviting and the marble bathroom, although spacious and offering a deep tub and separate shower, could do with an update.

Food & drink

8/10

Altitude, the hotel’s in-house restaurant is known for offering one of the best dining experiences in town, 36 floors up, and with floor-to-ceiling windows, this place is where you take your date when you want to impress. Try the snapper with chickpea mousse, pine milk and mussels paired with a Tapanappa Chardonnay; it’s a showstopper. Also on level 36 is Blu Bar, your first stop for a pre-dinner cocktail. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting try the hour-long Liquid Physics demonstration and don’t forget to dress up, it’s pretty fancy up here. Breakfast is an elaborate hot and cold buffet with eggs made to order and top marks for presentation.

Value for money

8/10

Double rooms from £150 in low season; and from £320 in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Accessibe rooms available, including one accessible Horizon Club room. Ramps and lifts in most public areas.

Family-friendly?

Complimentary amenities for children plus the occasional small stuffed Australian animal or star-shaped chocolate lollipop.